CURSOR has developed novel technologies for USaR teams which allow to reduce the time for detecting survivors trapped in damaged and collapsed buildings and due to the remote operations increase the safety of FRs. The technical and research partners together with the FRs have delivered an innovative, easy and fast deployable CURSOR SaR Kit – an integrated system of various technological components and platforms, that allow USaR teams to:
a) work efficiently and safely on the disaster site, while detecting and locating survivors and
b) enable collaborative response, by sharing information and accurately visualising the disaster scene and associated notifications across all levels of command.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Help in technical expertise
- Collaboration
The aim is to spread awareness about CURSOR Search and rescue kit and the solutions it offers to the first responders in search of victims buried under rubble after an earthquake situation. The technologies in this kit have achieved TRL 6-7. The next steps would be to find funding opportunities to accelerate further development of some of the selected tools from this project and transition towards the market introduction and adoption.
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
CURSOR project consists of a different set of technologies which can act as a kit to assist the first responders during Search and rescue operations. The project achieved the integration of all components of the SaR Kit and test it in a realistic environment (TRL6). Further, below is the summary of the technology readiness level achieved for each standalone technology in the defined context of the CURSOR project along with the opportunities which consortium members foresee to utilize and respective activities.
- SNIFFER module:
- TRL 5 – Protein successfully targeted for chemicals (markers of decrease/alive victims). Sniffer successfully integrated into the device and tested in significant environments for the targeted application: 1. victim detection+ discrimination alive decease demonstrated; 2. Tested, validated, and demonstrated in controlled laboratory and field environments
- Next steps: Further research work is needed to normalize certain aspects of sniffer (e.g. communication protocols SMURFs- sniffers are specific, etc.).Need more testing in more UCs in the field, need to be more mature (=TRL6). Contacts have been taken with the French company Nexter (robot manufacturer for military applications) and with the German Security Robotics Development & Solutions GmbH. Both are interested in implementing SNIFFERs in robots for various applications related to victim search. Further joined developments and licensing will be discussed shortly with those companies (NDAs are being put in place between the companies and CEA/UNIMAN
- Geophones
- TRL6: The prototype developed includes an integrated geophone system (sensors, GPS, digitizer, tablet application including all necessary algorithms), tested, validated, and demonstrated in controlled laboratory and field environments
- Next steps: Further funding opportunities to be explored for Packaging (IP65); Professional training material; Productization of code (improve UI of Tablet application, communication over multiple interfaces); Data gathering campaigns (various terrains and environmental conditions); Need more testing at the field and in various terrains (=TRL7/8)
- Soft Miniaturized Underground Robotic Finder (SMURF)
- TRL6: Fully integrated SMURF tested in a realistic environment
- The future steps are to figure out how to get funding to continue working with the SMURF. Continue research in the area.
- SMURF Motherboard
- TRL7: SMURF motherboard technology surpassed the demonstration in a relevant environment and is demonstrated inside an operational environment
- Net steps: Seek funding for EU and national projects; Electronics, small-size robots, vehicles, IoT, and embedded system
- Drone Fleet including transport drones, situational awareness drones, and 3D modeling drones)
- TRL7: Prototype demonstrated in relevant/operational environment
- Next Steps: Future additional funding may help reach TRL 9 with CURSOR DRONE FLEET by 2024, fitting to 100% the needs of other first responder communities (S& R, medics, firefighters, or similar). Approach the relevant events/conferences and security agencies to market the drone. CURSOR Drone Fleet will be demonstrated to Rescue Organisations, Armed Forces, and Federal Police in Austria and the Middle East.
- Expert Reasoning Workstation (EXPER)
- TRL7. The prototype demonstrated in a relevant/operational environment
- Next steps: Commercialisation of EXPER as an “Edge Fusion Server” (EFS) tailored for First responders units (B2C model), drone workstation market (B2B model), and new market opportunities for precision agriculture and offshore stations. Key activities include 1. Examination of industrial standards such as IEEE, IEC, MIL-STD-167-1, MIL-STD-461E/F, MIL-STD-810F, and MIL-S-901-D along with certification processes from independent standardization compliance vendors. 2. Identification of further EC funding opportunities that will assist the increase from TRL7 to TRL9 in the next 3-5 years. 3. A detailed market analysis and business plan to explore the potential of EXPER in various sectors.
- Common Operational Picture (COP) & COP Terminal (COPTERM)
- TRL6/7: Prototype demonstrated in relevant/operational environment
- Next steps: Seek funding for EU and national projects. Collaborate with INSARAG
- Field Communication Solution
- TRL6/7: Prototype demonstrated in relevant/operational environment
- Next steps: Current surge in cases of events calling for an emergency response means that the demand for mission-critical communication will grow critical infrastructure and logistics. Research target in structural monitoring, manufacturing and factory, transport, smart city, large Further work towards higher TRL (extensive testing under different scenarios, ruggedization, expanding functionalities); EU R&D projects; Links with EU and national civil protection agencies
The current surge in cases of events calling for an emergency response means that the demand for mission-critical technologies will grow critical infrastructure and logistics. All the technologies developed can find replicability for various other sectors and applications.
- Global
